For one terrifying second, there was nothing except the rain hammering against the glass.
Ruth's breathing hitched.
A violent clap of thunder cracked overhead.
She gasped and instinctively stepped backwards, her heel catching the edge of the rug.
Before she could lose her balance, a firm hand caught her arm.
"Careful."
Scott's deep voice rang in ear, close enough to cut through the panic rising inside her.
She hadn't realised how badly she was trembling until she felt the warmth of his hand around her elbow.. His cologne filled her nostril.
A few seconds later, the emergency lights flickered to life.
The darkness had lifted but not enough.
Her face had gone pale. Scott released her immediately.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm... fine."
The emergency lights caught the sharp line of his
